Anti-aging Moisturizers

Science has come a long way in helping men and women combat the early signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. There are moisturizers on the market that do more than just temporarily hydrate skin cells.

Some of the main ingredients used in anti-aging moisturizers are retinoids. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A, which the skin uses to speed up the growth of skin cells [source: Wed MD]. The more your skin cells rejuvenate, the younger your skin can look. Retinoids are known by many names including retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde and retinyl propionate [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. These variations can be found in most over-the-counter anti-aging moisturizers. For those in need of something stronger, a doctor might recommend prescription-strength tretinoin to promote the turnover of skin cells.

Other ingredients you might find in your anti-aging moisturizer are peptides, including copper peptides. These ingredients work to smoothe skin and improve its ability to stretch as you move. Copper peptides might also help improve your skin's ability to heal after injury and increase collagen production [source: Mayo Clinic].

Hydroxy acids, including alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, poly hydroxy acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid, will also show up on anti-aging moisturizer and anti-wrinkle cream ingredient lists. These compounds serve as an exfoliant, working to remove dead skin cells and promote new skin cell growth. Growth of new skin cells can help combat uneven skin pigment and age spots, and decrease dry patches of skin. These compounds are often synthetic forms of sugar-containing fruits [source: Mayo Clinic].

Once you've found the right bottle of anti-aging moisturizer, what can you expect after using it? Read on to learn what to keep in mind when using anti-aging moisturizers.

Petroleum Jelly as a Moisturizer?

Some people use petroleum jelly on elbows, hands and feet. Although it's a popular skin cream, petroleum jelly can leave a heavy, greasy look, particularly on the face.